However, United Utilities is taking a more proactive approach by attempting to encourage farmers in three of its surface water safeguard zones (River Dee, River Dane and the Llangollen Canal) to use more expensive ferric phosphate pellets, by offering a financial incentive.

Kate Snow, from United Utilities, said: “We’re offering farmers 50% off the price of ferric phosphate pellets and, if they’ve already bought metaldehyde, we can help them make the switch at no extra cost.”

Switching to ferric phosphate also simplifies slug pellet applications, with just one product being used. That is because many farmers are already using some ferric phosphate, as metaldehyde cannot be used within 10m of a field boundary or watercourse.

Farmers can find out if they are eligible for any of United Utilities’ offers by contacting their local catchment adviser.

For the River Dee catchment area contact: gareth@welshdeetrust.com

For the Llangollen Canal catchment area contact: david@welshdeetrust.com